The Storm
- A violent storm at sea threatens a ship carrying Alonso, King of Naples, and his court, returning from the wedding of Alonso's daughter in Tunisia.
- As the ship is battered by the storm, the courtiers and crew exchange insults and fear for their lives.
Prospero's Island
- From a nearby island, Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, and his daughter Miranda watch the storm.
- Miranda, worried about the ship's passengers, suspects her father of creating the storm with his magical powers and begs him to calm the waters.
Prospero's Story
- Prospero reveals to Miranda their past: 12 years ago, his brother Antonio betrayed and overthrew him with the help of Alonso.
- Antonio arranged for Prospero and Miranda to be set adrift at sea.
- Prospero explains that the storm is part of his plan to take revenge on his enemies.
Ariel and the Shipwrecked Courtiers
- Prospero summons his spirit-servant Ariel, who created the storm and ensured everyone made it to the island alive, though scattered.
- Ariel reminds Prospero of his promise to free him early for good service. Prospero angrily recounts how he saved Ariel from imprisonment by the witch Sycorax, the island's previous ruler.
- Ariel apologizes and follows orders, making himself invisible and spying on the shipwrecked courtiers.
Caliban
- Prospero awakens Miranda and summons Caliban, Sycorax's son, who curses Prospero and denies owing him anything for educating him.
- Caliban recalls how Prospero stripped him of his rulership of the island.
Ferdinand and Miranda
- Ariel, still invisible, leads Ferdinand, Alonso's son, to Prospero. Ferdinand and Miranda fall in love instantly.
- Prospero puts a spell on Ferdinand and takes him into custody.
Alonso's Court
- Elsewhere, Alonso, Gonzalo (an advisor), Antonio, and Sebastian (Alonso's brother) find themselves safely on shore. Alonso mourns, believing Ferdinand drowned.
- Ariel plays solemn music that puts Gonzalo and Alonso to sleep. Antonio persuades Sebastian to murder Alonso and become King of Naples.
- Ariel wakes the sleeping men just in time to prevent the murder.
Caliban's Plot
- Caliban encounters Alonso's butler Stephano and jester Trinculo, mistaking them for gods because they give him wine and get him drunk.
- Caliban persuades them to help him murder Prospero, promising to serve them as lords of the island.
Miranda and Ferdinand's Love
- While Ferdinand does hard labor for Prospero, he and Miranda express their love and agree to marry, with Prospero secretly watching.
Antonio and Sebastian's Plot
- Antonio and Sebastian resume their plot against Alonso, but Ariel, appearing as a harpy, accuses them and Alonso of overthrowing Prospero, saying only sincere repentance can save them.
- Alonso repents immediately. Antonio and Sebastian vow to fight back, but Prospero enchants and traps them all.
Prospero's Forgiveness
- Prospero gives his blessing to Miranda and Ferdinand's marriage and summons spirits for an elaborate masque (dramatic performance) for the couple.
- Remembering Caliban's plot, Prospero abruptly ends the masque and, with Ariel's help, tricks and chases off the would-be murderers.
Final Reconciliation
- In the final scene, Prospero decides to forgive his enemies and give up his magic. He presents himself in his Duke of Milan robes, astounding the courtiers.
- Alonso apologizes and relinquishes control of Milan, though Antonio remains silent.
- Alonso and Ferdinand are reunited, and Alonso gives his blessing to the marriage of Miranda and Ferdinand.
- Prospero exposes Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban to scorn. Caliban curses himself for mistaking them for gods.
- Prospero instructs Ariel to ensure a safe voyage back to Italy for all and then grants Ariel his freedom.
Conclusion
The play ends with Prospero's epilogue, where he asks the audience to applaud and set him free.
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